Page 20 of Wild Escape

“Gabby technically wasn't in the sorority yet.”

"She was well on her way, and I know my girls wouldn’t give a bid to someone they thought was incapable of living up to the reputation of a Theta.”

I gave Jenna a card before leaving.

"Something is rotten," Jack muttered as we marched back to the Porsche.

We decided to leave the car where it was and walk to campus. JD and I headed to the administration building to find the Dean of Students.

11

The administration building had old-world charm with high ceilings, ornate details, and a rotunda. The halls had a majestic quality.

JD and I stepped into the dean's office, and I flashed my badge to the receptionist. "Is Dean Montgomery available?"

"I believe so," she replied with concern in her eyes. "May I tell him what this is in reference to?”

"The death of Gabby Templeton.”

She winced. "I'll let him know you're here." She picked up the phone and dialed an extension. "There are two deputies here to see you about the Templeton situation." She listened for a response, then said, “Certainly. I'll tell them." She ended the call and smiled at us. "You can go on back," she said, pointing to his office.

We stepped around the desk and moved across the room. Dark wood-paneled walls gave it an elegant feel.

I tapped on the dean's door before pushing inside.

Harrison Montgomery sat behind a large oak desk. He stood up to greet us.

The office was lined with leather-bound books, oil paintings of the campus, and framed certificates of accomplishment. There were tufted leather chairs across from the desk, and a couch by the window. An American flag stood guard behind the desk, and a state flag kept it company.

Harrison was a heavy guy in his mid-50s with hair parted on one side and combed over. He had a thick mustache and a round face. Well dressed in a charcoal suit and waistcoat, he was meticulous in his appearance.

We shook hands, and he offered us a seat across the desk from him.

"It's always upsetting to hear of a student's death,” he said. “This is particularly troubling. Do you have any leads at the moment?”

"We have a few promising avenues to pursue.”

Harrison frowned and shook his head in sorrow. "What can I do for you?”

"In the course of our investigation, we talked to witnesses who have made allegations of hazing."

"We take that kind of thing very seriously here. It's my understanding that Gabby Templeton was a potential new member at the Theta house.”

"What can you tell me about the history of that chapter?”

"I want to assure you that we investigate all allegations of misconduct and impose disciplinary action when appropriate.”

"Have there been any recent allegations against Theta?”

"As you are aware, Alpha Epsilon Beta Theta is one of the more popular sororities on campus. As such, they receive a lot of attention, both good and bad. There have been a few accusations in the recent past, but our investigations have not turned up anything actionable or credible.” He paused and took a deep breath. “This is a college campus. I’m aware that students are going to have certain rights of passage. But we do not tolerate any kind of illegal activity or anything that violates the safety and dignity of the students. I will not stand by and let students be put in danger, humiliated, or forced into some kind of uncompensated labor."

I told him what Brandon had told us.

Harrison looked astonished. "If that is true, it is a severe infraction. I will have my department investigate that to the fullest. I can assure you of that. Of course, we don't want to get in your way, and will be completely open and transparent with you about our findings.”

"Thank you, I appreciate that. My concern is finding Gabby’s killer. Right now, I'm getting frozen out at the sorority.”

He frowned. "Not surprising. They are a close-knit group, and I don't expect you to get them to turn on one another. If there is something untoward at hand, you may have a hard time getting to the truth," he said with a somber face. "Though I seriously doubt any of those girls would commit murder.”